Schools: Waste Reduction Services for Schools

In 2005, schools, businesses, and residents in Tompkins County disposed of approximately 25,000 tons of garbage and 16,970 tons of recyclable materials. Schools in Tompkins County were responsible for generating 350 tons of these recyclables, 300 tons of which was comprised of paper.

Steps to implement a district-wide recycling recycling program:

• Write a description of the program ,
• Identify key staff to make decisions and resolve problems,
• Train staff to support a school recycling program,and 
• Benchmark the level of recycling and garbage to be able to measure change.

Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division can offer the following assistance:

• Technical assistance in designing and/or enhancing a recycling program for their school recycling program,
• Development of benchmarking tools,
• Help with conducting trainings on how and what to recycle,
• Program promotional/information materials , and
• Waste reduction and recycling education.

Recycling/environmental education services offered include:

• School assemblies
• In-classroom presentations
• Tours of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center
• Teacher training in 4Rs education-reduce, reuse, recycle and rebuy